Montgomery ISD superintendent outlines bond projects

Published 5:32 pm, Thursday, April 9, 2015

In addition to the three new schools proposed in the $256 million Montgomery ISD bond, Superintendent Beau Rees this week shed some light on some of the other projects included in the May 9 election.

If approved, Montgomery residents will see a five-cent tax increase over a three-year period, from $1.34 to $1.39 per $100 evaluation.

More than 1,000 new students have joined MISD since 2010, and 1,400 more are expected to enroll within the next five years.

Rees said the district currently owes about $121 million from previous bonds dating back to 1997, and that the district is planning to refinance those bonds within the next few months. Refinancing could save the district between $10 and $15 million, according to Rees.

One of the hot topics of the proposed bond is the nearly $140 million second high school that would be added to the district. Rees said that since he arrived to the area just three years ago Montgomery High School has gained about 600 students.

Concerns throughout the community raised questions regarding the equitability and feasibility of having two high schools in the district. Rees said that the influx of students has generated positive buzz regarding a new high school and if the bond passes, students that attend either high school will be granted equal opportunities.

The second high school would be located northwest of Rabon Chapel Road off FM 2854.

In addition, technology renovations for existing and new schools within the district include wireless networks, interactive whiteboards for teachers and improvements to servers and phone systems. Rees said the $9 million in technology upgrades would help propel the district to keep up with today’s rapidly evolving technology.

Based upon recommendations from the district’s community advisory board, which consists of different members of the Montgomery community, Rees said everything from door handles and plumbing to new facilities and security improvements were considered for MISD schools.

Seven million dollars of the monies proposed in the bond would be allocated to increasing and updating safety and security throughout MISD campuses. Panic buttons, surveillance and intercom systems, along with controlled entryways, are also in the bond proposal.

Renovations to repurpose Montgomery Elementary into an alternative high school with district offices are also proposed. Rees said repairs to the foundation and structure of the building would be made, and that Montgomery Intermediate and Montgomery Middle schools would be renovated to accommodate students in grades pre-kindergarten through five, while Montgomery Junior High School would become a campus for sixth- through eighth-graders.